Sri Ganesha Temple in Nashville — Attraction in Nashville-Davidson

As a long-time devotee who holds deep reverence for the sacred energy of this temple, I want to express both appreciation and a heartfelt concern. The temple has always served as a place of spiritual connection and community, and I’ve felt blessed to be part of that space.

The temple is beautiful, well-maintained, and clearly built with love and care. My review ratings reflect only one specific incident—not the temple as a whole.

During my visit on Maha Shivaratri, I was disappointed to find that offering water to the Shiva Linga—a simple and ancient act of devotion—required a mandatory payment of $21. While I understand that temples need support to operate, tying direct acts of worship to a fixed fee felt exclusionary and not in alignment with the spirit of bhakti (devotion).

When I asked what would happen if someone couldn’t afford it, the response was dismissive—“No one in the U.S. is without $21.” That statement overlooks the principle that access to divine worship should never come with a price tag. Many temples around the world allow such essential offerings freely while still welcoming voluntary donations.

I had written a detailed and respectful email to the temple over a month ago to share my concern, but received no reply. When I tried to follow up, the email bounced back. This has led me to share my experience here—not to criticize or disrespect anyone, but in the hope that someone in the management or the broader community may take notice and reflect on whether this practice aligns with the inclusive and compassionate spirit that temples are meant to uphold.

I continue to respect this sacred space and those who serve it, but I hope this message invites honest reflection. After all, devotion is not a commodity—it is the soul’s offering...

I’m writing to share feedback regarding our visit to the temple on July 7th. This was not our first time visiting, and we came with devotion and high hopes, traveling from a different state with our family, including a small baby, specifically for Ganesh darshan.

Unfortunately, the experience left us feeling quite unwelcome. We were inside the temple for less than three minutes when a priest approached and asked us to leave. We were surprised and disheartened, especially as there were no visible signboards or clear communication about temple timings, puja schedules, or limitations on darshan time.

We had also hoped to perform an abhishekam, but were informed that none were taking place that day. However, even for darshan and prayers, we felt rushed and unacknowledged. There were no prior announcements or signage about any special archanas or events, and it felt as though the response was directed unfairly at us.

As visitors who made a special trip with sincere intentions, this treatment was upsetting. We believe that better communication, transparency around puja schedules, and a more welcoming approach can make a meaningful difference for devotees...

It is a beautiful temple with many deities represented. Clean and well maintained. But there were many repairs pending, especially the plumbing in the toilets.

It is understandable that there is a fee for pooja. The rate could represent the local incomes.

While it is ok to pay for the pooja, tips for the priest is purely voluntary. Here the priest stood in front of demanding, yes demanding, a tip and wouldn’t move until we found some change to put on his plate. We were very upset, not about the amount but the principle behind it. This kind of demand doesn’t happen anywhere in the world. Not from a temple priest. In our temples, if there was such a demand the priest would have lost his job on the spot.

We lost all our positive feeling of the prayers. To be fair he did a good job with the pooja.

Please have sufficient cash to tip the priest at the end of your prayers. Otherwise you might end up being embarrassed in front...